Shabana organizing secretary Stephen Kiama says the women's side Shabana Starlets need at least Ksh 1 million a month just to keep pace in their maiden FKF Women Premier League season.Kiama, a long serving Tore Bobe official who has held the organizing secretary post through several club elections, made the appeal on the sidelines of a function at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday.##NAJAVA_MECA_9981523##Shabana Starlets have completed a rapid rise through Kenyan women's football.Formed three years ago, the club first appeared in the Regional League during the 2023/2024 season, earning promotion that year into the newly-introduced Women's National Super League (WNSL).Peter Ogechi, a former Shabana men's team midfielder, took interim charge of the women's side that same season before being confirmed as permanent head coach.The Kisii-based ladies sealed their historic promotion to the FKF Women's Premier League by beating Lowland Starlets 3-1 at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho.A brace from Mongina Christine and a further strike from Purity Akinyi secured the club's second promotion in just three seasons as Zone B champions of the WNSL.Now in their maiden top flight campaign, Shabana have played one match so far.They drew 2-2 away to Kayole Starlets, leaving them 7th in the standings after match week one.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kiama said he was impressed by the ladies' opening display but was quick to raise the alarm over the club's finances.End in sight as Kariobangi Sharks, Mombasa United reach playoff breakthroughHe explained that Shabana currently runs three teams under one roof, a burden he says is stretching the club thin with no sponsor in place."The women's league has its challenges. We have no sponsor right now. Even if we got a million shillings a month, it would help us a lot with the ladies.We are running three teams, a youth side that is also leading its league, the women's team and Shabana men," Kiama told Mozzart Sport.The administrator said the club's belief in the women's team is not blind faith.He pointed to Ogechi's football background as a reason to expect Shabana Starlets to punch above their weight this season.McCarthy defends inclusion of suspended Gor Mahia duo in Harambee Stars"Our coach Peter Ogechi has real football experience and we also have a better team this time," he said.Kiama also praised the players for their opening day showing against Kayole Starlets."We started well with a 2-2 draw against Kayole. This is our first time playing at this level. When we host our home match, expect a win."##NAJAVA_MECA_9978892##Starlets return to action on Saturday when they host fellow debutants Elim White Ladies from Trans Nzoia at Afraha Stadium.
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